CAIRO: Hamas will launch the Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander held in Gaza, a senior Hamas official informed Reuters on Sunday (Might 11), a transfer key Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt described as an encouraging step in the direction of a return to ceasefire talks within the war-torn enclave.
The senior Hamas official didn’t specify a time for the discharge of Alexander, a 21-year-old soldier within the Israeli Military who was born and raised in New Jersey, however a supply conversant in the matter informed Reuters it might possible occur on Tuesday.
Releasing Alexander, believed to be the final surviving American hostage held by the militant Palestinian group, is a part of efforts to achieve a ceasefire settlement and permit humanitarian support to enter Gaza, Hamas mentioned.
US President Donald Trump will go to the Center East this week. His particular envoy Adam Boehler mentioned information of Alexander’s launch was a optimistic step ahead.
“We’d additionally ask that Hamas launch the our bodies of 4 different Individuals that had been taken,” Boehler added.
In a publish on Fact Social, Trump mentioned he was grateful to all these concerned.
“This was a step taken in good religion in the direction of the US and the efforts of the mediators – Qatar and Egypt – to place an finish to this very brutal conflict and return ALL dwelling hostages and stays to their family members,” Trump mentioned.
Israel launched a navy marketing campaign in Gaza in retaliation for a Hamas assault on Oct 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 folks, in accordance with Israeli tallies, and noticed 251 taken hostage into Gaza within the deadliest day for Israel in its historical past.
The marketing campaign has killed greater than 52,800 Palestinians, in accordance with native well being authorities, and has devastated the Gaza Strip, leaving its 2.3 million inhabitants relying on support provides which were dwindling quickly since Israel imposed a blockade in March.
